Known for its wide range of colors and perfect octahedral cleavage, fluorite is the reference mineral for hardness 4 on the Mohs scale. It often fluoresces under UV light. Color: Purple, blue, green, yellow, colorless. Luster: Vitreous. Streak: White. Cleavage: Perfect octahedral 4 directions. Hardness: 4. Transparency: Transparent to translucent. Crystal system: Cubic. Chemical formula: CaF₂. Specific gravity: 3.18. Formation: Forms from moderate to low-temperature hydrothermal fluids. Often associated with late-stage magmatic activity. Common geological settings: Found in hydrothermal veins, often with lead-zinc ores, and in some carbonate rocks. Major deposits in China, Mexico, and South Africa. Common look-alikes and related entries: Calcite, Quartz, Amethyst.
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These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.
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Last updated
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IMA–CNMNC List of Mineral Names — International Mineralogical Association. Official mineral-name, nomenclature, and classification records.
Mineral ID Key — Mineralogical Society of America. Physical-property identification methods, repeat-testing guidance, and limitations.
Known for its wide range of colors and perfect octahedral cleavage, fluorite is the reference mineral for hardness 4 on the Mohs scale. It often fluoresces under UV light.
How can you identify Fluorite?
Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records colour: Purple, blue, green, yellow, colorless; lustre: Vitreous; streak: White; Mohs hardness: 4; cleavage: Perfect octahedral 4 directions; crystal system: Cubic; transparency: Transparent to translucent. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.
How does Fluorite form?
Forms from moderate to low-temperature hydrothermal fluids. Often associated with late-stage magmatic activity.
Where is Fluorite commonly found?
Found in hydrothermal veins, often with lead-zinc ores, and in some carbonate rocks. Major deposits in China, Mexico, and South Africa.
What is Fluorite commonly confused with?
Fluorite may be confused with Calcite, Quartz, Amethyst. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.
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